Heating help available for low-income Iowans

The cold weather has moved in, and the Iowa Utilities Board says it’s still not too late for Iowans to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Board spokesman, Rob Hillesland, says it’s important for you to file for the program if you think you’re eligible.

Hillesland says certification in the program provides protection from having your utilities disconnected during the disconnection moratorium from November 1st through April 1st. Hillesland says you can apply for the assistance at your local Community Action Program office. He says you can locate the nearest CAP office by calling your local utility or the Iowa Department of Human Rights.

Hillesland says applying for the assistance gives you extra time to avoid having your utilities turned off. Hillesland says if you contact your utility and let them know you are applying for the LIHEAP assistance before your service is disconnected, the disconnection of your utilities can be delayed 30 days.

Hillesland says the key is to let your utility know what is going on. He says it’s important to communicate with the utility as soon as possible, as many times there’s a lack of communication, and then things are done at the last second before disconnection. Hillesland says if you are certified for LIHEAP, but don’t get funding from the program, you are still protected from disconnection under the moratorium. Hillesland says the certification for LIHEAP is based on your income.Posted for 1 P.M. Friday.